cataclysm — A large-scale and violent event in the natural world; a sudden violent upheaval, especially in a political or social context
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A large-scale and violent event in the natural world; a sudden violent upheaval, especially in a political or social context
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkætəklɪzəm/
Example Sentences
- The coffee machine breaking down at 8 AM was a cataclysm for the office workers.
- Climate change could lead to an environmental cataclysm.
- The student considered forgetting his homework a personal cataclysm.
cataclysm
NOUN[/ˈkætəklɪzəm/]
A large-scale and violent event in the natural world; a sudden violent upheaval, especially in a political or social context
A massive cataclysm swallowed the ancient coastal city in one terrifying night.
From cataclysm's schism, light through prism brings hope.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'kataklysmos' meaning 'a deluge or flood', derived from 'kata-' (down) and 'klyzein' (to wash or flood). The word was used to describe Noah's flood in Greek translations of the Bible and later generalized to mean any catastrophic event.
Breakdown
kata- (down) + klyzein (to wash/flood) + -ism (state or condition) = cataclysm (a violent upheaval or deluge)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The coffee machine breaking down at 8 AM was a cataclysm for the office workers.”
“Climate change could lead to an environmental cataclysm.”
“The student considered forgetting his homework a personal cataclysm.”
“The stock market crash was an economic cataclysm that affected millions.”
“Running out of Wi-Fi data felt like a modern cataclysm to the teenager.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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